Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Crystal Brown stand out for different reasons, catering to distinct preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who value fluid keystrokes and minimal noise—ideal for both work environments and gaming setups. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer a tactile experience, providing reassuring feedback on actuation with a noticeable bump that many users find satisfying and beneficial for touch typists who require confirmation of each keystroke. While each switch has its merits—be it the smoothness of the Orange Sea or the tactile response of the Crystal Brown—your choice ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches share a striking similarity in their housing materials, specifically in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffer plastic composition. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and resonant, enhancing the auditory experience when typing. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially well-suited for showcasing RGB lighting, ensuring that both switch designs not only perform well acoustically but also provide an appealing aesthetic when illuminated.

Despite the matching top housing of polycarbonate, the contrasting bottom housings in the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Crystal Brown play a crucial role in shaping their overall sound profiles. Both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, a material revered for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound compared to the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder sound when typing. This combination means that while the top housing contributes to the clarity and sharpness of the sound, the nylon bottom housing enriches the audio experience with a fuller depth, creating a well-rounded auditory sensation that is enhanced in both models.

Ultimately, the shared materials in both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Crystal Brown highlight the importance of housing composition in keyboard switches. While the use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a similar higher-pitched sound profile, both switches leverage their nylon bottom housings to develop deeper and more resonant tones. The nuanced differences in sound can be attributed to the interaction between both housing types, with the polycarbonate enhancing the clarity during key release and the nylon absorbing sound and contributing to the bottoming out experience. In summary, the cleverly chosen materials work in tandem to create a well-balanced auditory feedback in both switch designs, allowing users to enjoy similar sound experiences through their respective designs.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we see some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users seeking a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a stronger push that can provide a more substantial feel while typing. Thus, the Orange Sea is lighter overall compared to the Crystal Brown switch, which may be preferable for those looking to type for extended periods or during lengthy gaming sessions. If both switches were to have the same actuation and bottom out forces, users would experience similar tactile feedback, but in this case, the differences create specialized options for varying user preferences.

Travel distance

The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference highlights that the Orange Sea switch is designed for quicker responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for gamers who prefer faster actuation times. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who enjoy a more traditional keypress feel with a heartier depth. Ultimately, if you're looking for a snappier response, the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance would be advantageous, while the Crystal Brown may be favored for its tactile feedback and deeper engagement.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a neutral sound signature that is notably quiet, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less distracting typing experience. This subdued acoustics adds to the overall smoothness and fluidity of the switch. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has no specific sound characteristics attributed to it. However, it's important to note that the acoustic profile of any switch can be influenced by the keyboard’s construction, the materials used in the keycaps, and even the keyboard itself.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing experience, which is characteristic of linear switches where there are no tactile bumps. This smoothness allows for rapid keystrokes, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. The Outemu Crystal Brown, on the other hand, is expected to provide a tactile feedback that many users appreciate during typing, although the specific feel of this switch isn’t described. Tactile switches in general create a noticeable bump when the actuation point is reached, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction.

In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences: the Haimu Orange Sea excels with its smooth feel and neutral sound, making it highly appealing for those who prioritize a silent and fluid experience. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown is likely to attract users who enjoy tactile feedback, though further details about its sound aren't provided. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results, depending on your personal typing style and what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Orange Sea is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for gamers or typists who favor fast keystrokes without tactile feedback, allowing for uninterrupted, fluid typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a moderately tactile feel with a bit more resistance at a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Crystal Brown might be your best option. The tactile feedback can enhance your typing accuracy and is generally favored by those who appreciate a defined keypress sensation, making it ideal for extensive typing or programming. In essence, if you value speed and smoothness, go for the Haimu Orange Sea; but if you crave a bit more feedback and control, the Outemu Crystal Brown should be your switch of choice.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

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Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more